By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Monday, November 11, 2024
Photo: David Buchan/Getty
The Tennis Channel has been bypassed Jon Wertheim citing “unprofessional” behavior indefinitely.
Santa Monica-based TC announced it has suspended longtime commentator Jon Wertheim following his critical commentary on the Wimbledon champion. Barbora Krejcikova physical appearance.
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The network says Wertheim, who apologized on social media, has apologized to two-time Grand Slam champion Krejcikova, widely regarded as one of the most humble major champions.
“Jon has dedicated his career to enlightening and growing this sport and has been a valued member of our family and tennis community,” TC said in a statement. “That said, Tennis Channel holds its employees to a standard of respect for others at all times, a standard that was not met at this time.”
Wertheim poked fun at Krejickova’s forehead during what he said he thought was a test for the network’s TC Live show.
Jon Wertheim insults Barbora Krejcikova by making fun of her appearance on live TV@Olly_Tennis_ @josemorgado @Welovetennis @BenoitMaylinWill you talk about it?
As journalists, do you think it is appropriate?pic.twitter.com/uBoxMGld9k
— Dan Gernez (@GernezDan) November 9, 2024
“Who do you think I am? Barbora Krejcikova?” Wertheim said. “Watch the front when Krejcikova and Zheng take the court.”
The mockery caused outrage and reaction from fans and Krejcikova herself.
“As a sportswoman who has dedicated herself to this sport, it was disappointing to see this kind of unprofessional comment,” said Krejcikova. “This is not the first time that something like this is happening in the world of sports. I have often chosen not to speak up, but I believe it is time to address the need for respect and professionalism in the sports media.”
You may have heard about the recent comments made on the Tennis Channel during their coverage of the WTA Finals that focused on my appearance rather than my performance. As a dedicated athlete, it was disappointing to see this kind of unprofessional (continued)
— Barbora Krejcikova (@BKrejcikova) November 10, 2024
3/3
the sport and dedication that all athletes bring to the field. I love tennis deeply and want to see it represented in a way that honors the commitment we make to compete at this level.
— Barbora Krejcikova (@BKrejcikova) November 10, 2024
Wertheim apologized on social media and said his criticism of the forehead came during what he believed was a non-televised tryout.
“During a Tennis Channel studio show on Friday, I made some deeply regrettable off-air comments,” Wertheim said. “I accept them. I apologize for them. I immediately approached and apologized to the player. “What happened? I joined the show via Zoom. In the test, we were shown a graph of a player who had just competed. She showed it at an angle that exaggerated her forehead.
“A few moments later, I was told to frame my Zoom. I looked at the low camera angle and joked that it made my forehead look like the picture of the player in question. Someone in the control room came in and I returned it. mockingly.Although this was a private rehearsal, this unintentional and contextless exchange made it live.
“I understand: I am not the victim here. It was neither professional, nor charitable, nor reflective of the person I strive to be. I am responsible. I own this. I’m sorry.”
